What’s on in Sydney in June 2026

June has become one of Sydney’s most exciting months thanks to the Vivid Sydney Festival. For the first two weeks of June, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and even Surry Hills transform into a wonderland of light installations, drawing visitors from across the globe.

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Major June Events in Sydney

Sydney comes alive in June with several major events drawing both locals and visitors to the city. From world-class light art to international film festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Vivid Sydney: 22 May – 13 June 2026
• Sydney Film Festival: 3 June – 14 June 2026
• Whale Watching season begins
• Sydney Pride Month

Festivals and Fairs

From artisan markets showcasing fresh talent to vibrant cultural festivals, June offers plenty of opportunities to explore Sydney’s creative side. Whether you’re searching for unique handmade goods, enjoying live music, or sampling the cuisine, these events showcase the best of Sydney’s community spirit.

Pride Fest

Qtopia Sydney presents their biggest Pride Month festival yet, with over 150 events celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture and history across the city. This month-long celebration joins global Pride Month festivities with an impressive lineup of performances, exhibitions, and community events.

When: 1-30 June
Where: Various venues across Sydney’s Oxford Street Precinct
Cost: Various – from free to ticketed events l Check the official site for the full program

Supanova Comic Con

Sydney’s premier pop culture event returns with a exciting lineup of special guests, exhibitors, and activities. This celebration of all things pop culture brings together fans of comics, anime, gaming, and cosplay.

When: Friday, 19 June to Sunday, 21 June 2026
Where: The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: Free for kids 12 and under. Tickets from $42.50. Find more information here.

Markets

Love discovering handmade treasures? Sydney’s markets in June offer a mix of artisan goods, sustainable products, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, fresh produce, or one-of-a-kind art, these markets are not to be missed. Here’s what’s on this month.

The Coal Loader Artisans Market

The Coal Loader Artisans Market has established itself as one of Sydney’s premier destinations for handmade and locally crafted goods. This carefully curated market brings together emerging and established designers, artists, and makers in a unique heritage setting.

Browse stalls featuring art, ceramics, basketry, eco products, fashion, jewellery, textiles, food, and children’s designs.

When: TBC
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton

Markers and Shakers Market

This curated marketplace celebrates the art of handmade, featuring 130 carefully selected stalls showcasing Sydney’s finest artisans and makers. Each vendor is chosen for their commitment to quality and sustainable production methods.

The market represents a shift away from mass production, championing traditional skills and craftsmanship. Visitors can discover unique homewares, fashion, accessories, and gourmet products while supporting local small businesses.

When: TBC
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal – James Craig Road Rozelle
Cost: $5 – kids under 12 years free

The Cronulla Winter Market

Looking for a market with variety and a lively atmosphere? The Cronulla Winter Market offers over 250 stalls with something for everyone. From fashion to homewares, this beachside event brings Sydney’s creativity to life.

Live music and international food stalls create a festival atmosphere, while dedicated kids’ activities make this a perfect family day out. The market’s location at Don Lucas Reserve offers stunning beach views while you shop.

When: TBC
Where: Don Lucas Reserve Wanda Beach, Cronulla

Carriageworks Winter Seasonal Market

The popular Carriageworks Farmers Market celebrates the arrival of winter with a special seasonal event. This expanded version of the weekly market features Sydney’s finest producers alongside special programming.

Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and food talks, while discovering the best seasonal produce from local farmers and producers.

When: TBC
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Read about all the weekly markets in Sydney for more ideas

Musicals, Opera and Theatre in Sydney in June

June is the perfect time to enjoy Sydney’s thriving performing arts scene. From celebrated musicals to thought-provoking dramas, there’s no shortage of entertainment for theatre enthusiasts this month. Below are some of the highlights gracing the city’s stages this month.

Film Festivals

Film buffs are in for a treat this June with both the Sydney Film Festival and several specialty film events running throughout the month.

Sydney Film Festival

The 71st Sydney Film Festival offers another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, in-depth discussions, film guests, and more. 

When: 3 June – 14 June 2026
Where: The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Art Gallery of NSW
More: Visit the official site for ticket information

Music, Comedy and Dance

From classical concerts at the Opera House to comedy shows in intimate venues, June’s performance calendar offers something for every taste and budget.

Art and Exhibitions

The Archibald Prize headlines this month’s art scene, but it’s not the only exhibition worth visiting. Here’s what’s showing across Sydney’s galleries.

Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes

The Archibald Prize is back and it’s still Australia’s most talked-about art competition. Since 1921, this portrait prize has captured Australian life and sparked plenty of debate about who should have won.

When: 9 May to Sunday, 16 August 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura, our south building Lower level 2

World Press Photo Exhibition

The World Press Photo Exhibition returns to Sydney, showcasing striking global photojournalism and the power of visual storytelling. This internationally renowned exhibition brings together award-winning images selected from more than 59,000 entries across 141 countries, offering fresh perspectives on the world’s most pressing issues.

When: 23 May – 5 July 2026
Where: State Library of NSW l Cost: Exhibition entry is free

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Food and Drink Events

Sydney’s food scene springs to life in June with festivals and special events that let you taste your way around the city.

Paddy’s Twilight Market

Sydney’s iconic Paddy’s Markets is transforming Friday nights with its Twilight Market, a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and live entertainment. With more than 29 food trucks and vendors, this is a foodie paradise offering a taste of cuisines from around the world.

Grab a bite of everything from Polynesian dishes to Sicilian wood-fired pizzas, Turkish street food, and Filipino charcoal-cooked delights. Beyond the food, you’ll find unique retailers, wholesale flowers, and acoustic live music to help you wind down your week.

When: TBC
Where: Sydney Flower Market car park, 250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West NSW
Cost: $2 parking per vehicle

Sports and Outdoor Events

For those eager to enjoy the outdoors, June in Sydney offers sports and events that make the most of the city’s stunning settings. Whether cheering from the sidelines or diving into an activity, there’s something to excite outdoor lovers this winter.

Whale Watching Season

June is peak whale watching season, and Sydney offers incredible opportunities to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they migrate north along the coast. Join a whale-watching cruise or head to one of the many coastal lookouts for a chance to spot them.

Top viewing locations include North Head Lookout, Watsons Bay, and Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. No matter where you watch, it’s an unforgettable outdoor experience.

When: June through to early November
Where: Coastal lookouts and whale-watching cruises throughout Sydney
Cost: Free at lookouts; cruise prices vary

Coastal Walks

Sydney’s stunning coastline is best explored during the cooler months, and June is perfect for some of the city’s most popular walking trails. From Bondi to Coogee to the Spit Bridge to Manly, these walks offer breathtaking views, fresh sea air, and a chance to connect with nature.

Pack water and comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera for those postcard-worthy views along the way. Look out for whale spotting opportunities on elevated sections of the trails!

When: All month
Where: Various coastal trails, including Bondi to Coogee and Spit Bridge to Manly
Cost: Free
More info: Visit our walks page for ideas

NSW Regional Events in June

Some of the best events this month are happening just outside Sydney. These regional festivals and celebrations make perfect day trips or weekend getaways.

Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts – Grenfell

Head to Grenfell for a weekend celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic poets, Henry Lawson. From live performances to street parades, this festival offers a mix of creativity, culture, and community spirit.

When: June long weekend
Where: Grenfell NSW Cost: Most events free.
More details on the official site

The Sussex Inlet Viking Festival 

Step back in time and experience the excitement of the Sussex Inlet Viking Festival, where history, culture, and fun collide. This unique festival celebrates Viking life with re-enactments, Scandinavian cuisine, and traditional crafts.

When: Saturday 6 June 2026
Where: Ellmoos Reserve, Sussex Inlet, NSW

Start planning things to do in July or read through of our list of things to do on rainy days if we hit a patch of bad weather.